It will be a top-half clash in the Premiership on Wednesday when Rangers take on St. Johnstone. The Gers are sitting fifth in the table now with 15 points from nine games whereas the Saints are sitting just above them with two more points but have played one more game. Mark Warburton’s boys faced their second loss in the Old Firm Derby this season on Sunday as Celtic scored very late through Moussa Dembele to make their way to the League Cup final next month. The Gers will be all fired up to come back to winning ways but the Saints are no pushovers.
Rangers have struggled to find their form this season so far. Warburton’s 4-3-3 system has not really clicked but the Englishman has stuck to it and Wednesday is unlikely to be an exception. Rangers do have a solid record against St. Johnstone winning seven of their last ten meetings but Tommy Wright’s side have done so well this season and this could be a tricky game for the Gers.
Here is the predicted Rangers lineup against St. Johnstone.
Defence
Wes Foderingham should keep his place under the bar with ease ahead of veteran Matt Gilks. The latter played on Sunday against Celtic and had a decent game. He made a series of excellent stops but also made a few poor errors. James Tavernier and Lee Wallace will start in the two full-back positions.
Warburton played Tavernier as a winger against Celtic, playing Hodson at the right-back to protect themselves from Celtic’s threats down the left flank but against St. Johnstone, Hodson is unlikely to get picked. It is still uncertain whether Danny Wilson can make his comeback from injury in the midweek so we expect Rob Kiernan and Clint Hill to start at the heart of the defence.
Midfield
Andy Halliday should start in defensive midfield. With Joey Barton suspended by Rangers, Halliday has done an excellent job in holding midfield of late and will be looking to keep up his excellent form. Jason Holt should keep his place in midfield after once again impressing with his energy and tenacity against Celtic. Josh Windass looked a bit off-colour against Celtic and could be replaced by the returning Jordan Rossiter in the starting XI.
Attack
Both Kenny Miller and Barrie McKay were poor against Celtic and both should be replaced against St. Johnstone. We expect Martyn Waghorn to start up front with Joe Garner on the right flank. Harry Forrester is likely to get his chance on the left flank.
